Posted on 01/06/2006 9:58:52 AM PST by floridaobserver
LONDON (Reuters) - Just like their owners, a growing number of British pets are becoming obese and face chronic illnesses such as heart complaint, diabetes and arthritis, according to research Friday.
A survey of British vets and owners showed that one in three pets, or 33 percent, were considered overweight and 38 percent of pet owners said their animals put on weight over Christmas.
Despite this, few owners plan to put their pets on a diet.
"Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period," said Frances Wright at Halifax Pet Insurance, who conducted the survey.
The survey said signs of obesity included a sagging stomach, bulging sides and a reluctance to take exercise.
About 30,000 human deaths a year in Britain are attributable to obesity, health experts say.
When I got my pooch I looked at the recommended portion on the bag for his weight class. That's what he gets--once a day. No problems.
If only I could regulate my own intake with such ruthless efficiency.
I need to exercise Mocha Girl Dog (MGD). I really wish she would just get a job!
Before picture of Mischief the cat. The pictures are of Mischief who is not named in the story. Mischief, won Britain's pet slimmer of the year in 2005. The cat lost 5kg in nine months after his size horrified vets. REUTERS/Handout
Tried to hold a job but just couldn't resist frequent breaks.
Well, at least one of us is trying to do better :~D
Why eat mice when too many owners are giving them expensive cans of expensive gourmet cat food like Fancy Feast ?
It's my opinion that people like to see their pets happy, and since pets get excited or enthusiastic when fed (and'll do tricks, begging, etc.) they indulge their own feelings by overfeeding the animal.
Pets aren't the same as humans, they don't need three squares a day to be happy and healthy, in fact, overfeeding will make their lives more difficult ultimately. It's ok to eat in front of your animals, I think some folks feel guilty or glutenous if they don't 'share' or feed their pets whenever they eat.
I've heard that many dog breeds have a feast or famine metabolism, they can intake a tremendous amount of food in one sitting, and can also go extended periods without eating with no ill effects - a trait they retained from their wild ancestors.
Come to think of it, most people probably don't really need three squares a day either, probably just a societal hold over from back when folks where a lot more active in their day to day life.
No porker pets are allowed at my house. I don't like the look and I don't want to contribute to any health problems for them.
I must be really heartless because I can eat a steak in front three dogs and never feel anything like guilt. I feel pretty superior, really.
Personally I believe the same thing is happening to pets as happens to humans
TOO MANY CARBS!!
They are not meant to eat so many carbs!
Cut back on them and they will lose weight!
My beastie is certainly no slouch in the panhandling dept. but he doesn't bother with us as we (duh!) never give him anything. Good old lamb & rice formula high-quality dry dog feed does the job just fine. Dogs are none too thrilled with the stuff and therefore eat no more of it than necessary. What HE wants most of all is action. I've been a good boy and take him for two spins a day. One if I'm inclined to march him down for a goodly brawl at the local dog park.
My cat is manipulative and will sit on the coffee table deliberatly blocking me from watching the tv, until she is fed with her preferred brand of cat food.
The steak will not hurt them,
The bread and potatoes will.
When I noticed my beloved deceased Sparky packing on the pounds, it only meant ONE THING!
He was not getting enough exercise!
K.I.S.S.
Yes, But is it DRY food??= Carbs
or Protein ??
My dog, however, is quite slim, tipping the scales at a mere 74 lbs. She was getting pretty porky at 85, though--and since she has a bad ankle, we put her on a diet. Long walks and measured portions of kibble helped slim her down.
I sneak my into the park that closes after sunset so she can have the run of the place!
She's a world class begger, but will never steal. I've never seen a dog that accepts guilt like this one. A stern talking to ruins her mood for hours.
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